I've popped home briefly to Canada for a quick visit with my mum as she goes through treatment for an unexpected illness. Life throws you curveballs and it's how we react and move with them that is the secret sauce. Stopping and taking time is the best gift you can give anyone even-though it's so hard to do. After my own illness over 6 years ago when I learned to STOP (see more here and here and here), I still forget and climb back on the treadmill. Thank you Universe for gently nudging me off so I can reflect and focus on those things that are important. I've been cooking up a storm and am trying to keep my mum well fed so I wanted to share my 'go to' Dahl recipe.

If you need a quick meal for one or for a whole family requiring leftovers, give this a go and of course feel free to go off track and throw any vegetables you've got handy into the mix.

Ingredients:
190g dried red lentils
1 tomato
2 garlic cloves
0.5g cumin
2g garam masala
0.5g tumeric
750g vegetable stock
Bunch fresh coriander

Plus: throw in anything in your crisper ie carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, spinach, chilies if you like spice, etc.

What to do:
1. Put all ingredients except the fresh coriander in a pot and bring to a boil on high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes or until lentils (and vegetables) soften and the mixture starts to thicken.
3. Serve over brown/basmati rice/quinoa and garnish with chopped coriander.

This dahl is brilliant as leftovers for lunch the next day or for a lazy Sunday. Even better, whip up a loaf of sourdough bread and serve crunchy and hot with butter.

Bon appetit!

What's your go to comfort meal??